Artist Denis Folz, left, and Kristin Tichy, Visual Director at Richards, right, are reflected in a mirror as they pose for a photo with one of Folz' pieces inside the Greenwich store on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

Artist Denis Folz, left, and Kristin Tichy, Visual Director at Richards, right, are reflected in a mirror as they pose for a photo with one of Folz' pieces inside the Greenwich store on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

The tall, red steel sculpture may have been inspired by stormy weather, but for the next several weeks, Danbury artist Denis Folz' "Caught by the Wind" will be situated in a far more placid environment -- the main floor of Richards of Greenwich, just beyond its front doors. Its twin, a tall, blue steel sculpture, will be greeting customers who arrive through the retailer's back doors.

"I knew they would work great in the space," said Kristin Tichy, who is the visual director for the high-end clothing store located on Greenwich Avenue. "They were just so eye-catching."

Tichy, who is responsible for year-round displays, always has a few more objects to work with each spring because of Art to the Avenue, an event that transforms Greenwich's downtown business area into a strolling art gallery. "There are always new artists and it's always different each year," she said.

Every May, area artists' works are placed in storefront windows, hung on walls, situated on sales floors or tucked amid merchandise as part of the event, which is run by the nonprofit Greenwich Arts Council. Through May 26, about 120 artists will be featured in more than 100 sites along Greenwich Avenue and surrounding streets. All artwork will be for sale, which benefits the artists and the council.

More Information

If you goArt to the Avenue takes place along Greenwich Avenue and in surrounding areas through Monday, May 26. Map of artists and locations atgreenwicharts.org, or at the council offices at 299 Greenwich Ave. 203-862-6750.

"The artists are delighted to have the exposure," said Paul Master-Karnik, the council's executive director. "One of the other goals is to get more foot traffic to downtown Greenwich, and this event attracts people from all over."

This longstanding tradition, which was launched 17 years ago, grew out of the desire of the council and area businesses to tap into this intersection of commerce and creativity, as a way to benefit both communities. In the ensuing years, communities across the country have increasingly caught on to that model.

"What's good for the arts is also good for business," said Emily Peck, vice president of private sector initiatives for Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that advances and supports the arts in the U.S., as well as encourages greater public access to and appreciation of the arts.

She said businesses have found that public art displays, art walks, pop-up shops and other events can increase foot traffic and align their businesses with customers who want to support a creative economy. A vibrant arts community also generates jobs, increases tourism dollars and attracts new companies.

"I think an event such as the one in Greenwich is part of that trend of people wanting to engage in their communities and support their local economy," Peck said.

It doesn't get more local and unique than artwork that is created by area artists.

Creating and buying original art is a very personal process, said Adrienne Mierzwa, an artist whose paintings and drawings will be on display at the Little Shop Around the Corner on Church Street. This is her 10th year with Art to the Avenue.

Each of her works, she said, is a distillation of the way she was feeling at the particular moment of creation. "It may sound silly, but to me, these really are like my babies," she said. "I hope they go to a good home."

Laura Cunningham, an artist who owns Little Shop and served as co-chairman of Art to the Avenue for many years, said it is easy to see that the program benefits artists and businesses.

"I love having the paintings in my shop," Cunningham said, adding that they are great accents to the antiques and home decor that fill her shop. As pleased as she is to attract new customers, she said she also enjoys fostering that connection between artists and their community.

Connections have been key in Folz' experience with the event over the past two years. He has attracted new clients, been introduced to other artists and gained a better understanding of the council's work.

"All three of these things have given me a broader, deeper perspective on the type of art I create and how to better market myself," he said, adding that it also brought him to the attention of C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, which is featuring his works.

Christina.hennessy@scni.com; Twitter: @xtinahennessy

If you go ...

Art to the Avenue takes place throughout Greenwich Avenue and surrounding areas through May 26. A map of all artists and locations may be found at www.greenwicharts.org, or at the council offices at 299 Greenwich Ave. Call 203-862-6750.